Posted by Ron Hill on April 21, 2003, at 2:06:47
In reply to SAM-e anti-depressant effect on day 4, posted by Caleb462 on April 19, 2003, at 1:35:16
> I was very happy when suddenly, in the middle of the day today, I suddenly felt alive. Energetic, spirited, enthusiastic, social... and a considerable lack of hopelessness, sadness, and PAIN. This initial burst didn't last all day, but an overall anti-depressant effect did. Unfortunately, I was still very anxious. In fact, later on I was more anxious than usual. I'm worried the SAM-e may be lifting depression but worsening anxiety... yuck. Well... if so, it's still better than being depressed.
Hi Caleb. A little more than a year ago I enjoyed five months of very good results using 200 mg/day of SAM-e to treat the atypical depressive side of my bipolar II disorder. I took the SAM-e in conjunction with 600 mg/day of Lithobid.
The SAM-e worked well until, out of the blue, it began to induce severe irritability (GRRRRRRRRR!!). I discontinued the SAM-e and the dysphoric mood state stopped. I tried 100 mg/day, but I still got irritable, so I quit.
If you’re interested, conduct a quick search of the archives (search for "SAM-e" in the year 2002). As you'll see (if you decide to look), I was ranting and raving about the benefits of SAM-e during the time it was working. I quietly retreated to wash the egg off my face when it blew up on me. I hope you have success with it.
You might consider trying TMG instead of SAM-e to see if it will provide the antidepressant effect without inducing the anxiety (and/or irritability). As you probably know, TMG is one of the raw materials the human body uses to manufacture SAM-e. I do not have first hand experience using TMG, but I think Larry Hoover takes it periodically.
> Oh yeah.. the dose, I've been taking 400-600 mg a day for the past 4 days, along with a strong B-complex tablet once a day.As you know, it is important to take B-6, folic acid, and B-12 when taking SAM-e to avoid elevated levels of homocystiene (not good). I am of the belief that B-12 should be taken sublingually in order to improve the absorption.
Best wishes.
-- Ron
poster:Ron Hill
thread:220548
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030417/msgs/221074.html